Water department urges responsible water use after Spring Day celebrations

The department has called on South Africans to rethink how they use water during Spring Day celebrations and in their everyday lives.

According to the South African Government News Agency (SAnews), the call follows concerns about water wastage and incidents in which members of the public were reportedly mistreated during Spring Day activities on September 1.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 3, the department acknowledged that Spring Day provides an opportunity for people, particularly young people, to come together, have fun and welcome the arrival of spring.

ALSO READ: Planned maintenance by Johannesburg Water leads to 12 hours with little to no water

However, it stressed that celebrations should not result in unnecessary water wastage or come at the expense of another person’s dignity, safety or rights.

“The department has observed with deep concern the extent to which water is sometimes used during Spring Day celebrations. In a country where communities continue to experience water challenges, deliberately wasting water for entertainment is concerning and highlights the need for a change in how water is valued and used,” the department stated.

DWS said responsible water use was particularly important as South Africa anticipates the effects of El Niño, which can bring higher temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and drier conditions in some areas.

“These conditions can place additional pressure on already limited water resources and make responsible water use even more important,” the department said.

ALSO READ: Water outage due to planned Rand Water maintenance

No tradition should violate another person’s rights

The department also raised concerns about reports and incidents in which people were allegedly subjected to humiliation and intimidation in the name of Spring Day celebrations.

“Celebration should never mean forcing another person to participate in an activity against their will or subjecting them to conduct that compromises their dignity or safety. No tradition, social activity or celebration should be used as an excuse to violate another person’s rights,” the statement read.

DWS called on young people and communities to find enjoyable and creative ways to celebrate Spring Day without wasting water or harming others.

It also emphasised that responsible water use should not only become a priority when municipalities introduce restrictions or communities face an immediate shortage.

“It needs to become part of everyday behaviour, and simple actions such as avoiding unnecessary water use, reporting leaks and using water wisely can collectively make a meaningful difference,” the department said.

ALSO READ: Residents urged to save water during National Water Week

While government continues to work to strengthen water security, maintain and improve water infrastructure, support municipalities and protect the country’s water resources, DWS said these efforts require public support.

“Government programmes and infrastructure alone cannot secure the country’s water future if water continues to be unnecessarily wasted. South Africa is a water-scarce country, and every drop saved contributes to protecting water availability for communities today and for future generations,” the department said.

The department urged parents, teachers, community leaders and young people to help build a culture in which water is valued and used responsibly.